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Matas Buzelis Doubles Down on Bulls Loyalty, Mid-Range Plan and Luka Rivalry

His podcast comments point to a season of physical and tactical change that will be tested in scheduled rematches with Luka Dončić.

Overview

  • Buzelis used a podcast appearance Wednesday to say he “can’t imagine” playing anywhere else and to declare his goal of bringing a championship to the Chicago Bulls.
  • He revisited the March 12 game when Luka Dončić scored 51 in a 142–130 Lakers win and said he will resume trash‑talking Dončić, adding that he wants a rematch.
  • Buzelis credited Kevin Durant for boosting his confidence and said he has spoken with Durant about routines and approach to the game.
  • The forward described offseason work to get stronger, saying he hired a chef to help him gain roughly 12 pounds as part of his physical development.
  • Buzelis expects a tactical shift under new coach Tiago Splitter that will include more mid‑range shots after two seasons limited by analytics, and the Bulls’ Jan. 2 and Feb. 16, 2027 games with the Lakers are being viewed as early tests of that evolution.